The US drug giant beat Novo Nordisk in the $10 bln battle for biotech Metsera with the help of the Federal Trade Commission. Though the regulator’s intervention was warranted, its speed was surprising in a government shutdown.

The fall COVID-19 vaccine season is starting slowly for Pfizer, with U.S. sales of its Comirnaty shots sinking 25% after federal regulators narrowed recommendations on who should get them.

Novo Nordisk's late bid to hijack Pfizer's takeover of US obesity biotech Metsera marks an aggressive shift from the Danish drugmaker as it seeks to regain ground in the weight-loss drug market under a new CEO and board https://t.co/6Qz7tNsm9x pic.twitter.com/EvYvxeoaeC

FILE - The Pfizer logo is displayed at the company's headquarters, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Pfizer has agreed to lower drug costs and invest $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing under a ...

Pfizer is increasing its offer for Metsera. This comes after a judge rejected Pfizer's attempt to stop rival Novo Nordisk's bid. Pfizer's deal expires soon without an improved offer. Both companies are competing for Metsera,

In a press release on Friday, Metsera said Pfizer had made an improved offer to acquire it for up to $86.25 per share, in a deal worth around $10 billion. Metsera said its board “unanimously recommends that… stockholders approve the adoption of the amended Pfizer merger agreement and approve the merger.”